The 2013 Honda Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82 miles, an ideal range for urban driving and medium-range commuting.

The 2013 Honda Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82

Driving the 2013 Honda Fit EV is a complete blast. The power and torque are instantly responsive to nailing the electronic throttle. It delivers quicker off-the-line acceleration than one would expect.

Driving the 2013 Honda Fit EV is a complete blast. The power and torque are instantly responsive to nailing the electronic throttle. It delivers quicker off-the-line acceleration than one would expect.

Photo: Honda, Wieck

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Photo: Honda, Wieck

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Only 1,100 of these little blue pocket rockets will be released over the next two-year period, and they will only be available initially through a three-year lease contract program to qualifying residents of California and Oregon. Five pre-selected market locations on the East Coast will be added in the future.

Only 1,100 of these little blue pocket rockets will be released over the next two-year period, and they will only be available initially through a three-year lease contract program to qualifying residents of

The Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82 miles, an ideal range for urban driving and medium-range commuting.

The Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82 miles, an

The compact Fit EV shares its basic design and engineering features with the gasoline-powered five-door, five-passenger Fit and Fit Sport, but has aerodynamic upgrades and unique styling cues that set it apart, including a revised and more efficient front end, grille area and lower fascia.

The compact Fit EV shares its basic design and engineering features with the gasoline-powered five-door, five-passenger Fit and Fit Sport, but has aerodynamic upgrades and unique styling cues that set it apart,

The Fit EV draws its motive force from a 20-kilowatt hour, lithium-ion battery and a 92-kilowatt coaxial electric motor/gearbox. The high-density electric motor, similar to the unit that drives the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at higher speeds.

The Fit EV draws its motive force from a 20-kilowatt hour, lithium-ion battery and a 92-kilowatt coaxial electric motor/gearbox. The high-density electric motor, similar to the unit that drives the FCX Clarity

Honda has traditionally held back in coming to market with a competitive vehicle in any given category, until they're sure they have it right. They want not only to be able to compete, but to dominate.

Welcome the 2013 Honda Fit EV to the electric vehicle marketplace, which boasts a world-leading energy efficiency of 29kWh per 100 miles and a gasoline miles per gallon equivalent of 118 MPGe (combined city/highway, adjusted).

The Fit EV is capable of delivering an EPA-certified unadjusted driving range of 132 miles on a single charge. The adjusted combined city/highway EV range posted on the new fuel economy label is 82 miles, an ideal range for urban driving and medium-range commuting.

The Fit EV draws its motive force from a 20-kilowatt hour, lithium-ion battery and a 92-kilowatt coaxial electric motor/gearbox. The high-density electric motor, similar to the unit that drives the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at higher speeds.

Off-the-line response and acceleration times are comparable to those of a 2.0-liter or larger internal-combustion vehicle of similar size.

The system is made up of several innovative features, including a three-mode drive system adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Sport (92 kW), Normal (75 kW) and Econ (47 kW). In Sport mode, quick acceleration adds to the Fit EV's fun-to-drive nature, while in Econ mode, the practical driving range may be increased compared to driving in Normal mode. Other energy-saving features include a new regenerative braking system and a highly efficient all-electric climate control system.

A 6.6 kW, onboard, 32-amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the Fit EV with a 240-volt circuit in less than three hours. Honda has partnered with Leviton as the preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier, so owners can easily equip their home with a 240-volt charging station. When using a 120-volt household current, a full recharge takes less than 15 hours.

The Fit EV has a 12-volt electrical system and battery like a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle for operating typical items like lighting, climate control, audio system and other features. The main lithium-ion powertrain battery charges the 12-volt battery through an on-board DC/DC converter.

The compact Fit EV shares its basic design and engineering features with the gasoline-powered five-door, five-passenger Fit and Fit Sport, but has aerodynamic upgrades and unique styling cues that set it apart, including a revised and more efficient front end, grille area and lower fascia. The aerodynamically shaped rocker panels connect to the full-flat underbody for additionally enhanced aerodynamic performance. The redesigned rear spoiler and lower fascia further reduce aerodynamic drag.

SUMMARY: Driving the 2013 Honda Fit EV is a complete blast. The power and torque are instantly responsive to nailing the electronic throttle. It delivers quicker off-the-line acceleration than one would expect.

The Fit EV was impressive in all three modes of its Dynamic Electric Drive, with Sport obviously delivering the highest fun factor, with the best performance (but lower efficiency). In addition to impressive acceleration, the Fit EV proved to be incredibly stable, while delivering a compliant and comfortable ride.

Only 1,100 of these little blue pocket rockets will be released over the next two-year period, and they will only be available initially through a three-year lease contract program to qualifying residents of California and Oregon. Five pre-selected market locations on the East Coast will be added in the future.

Who knows? The company may change its mind down the road and allow the purchase of the Fit EV. Let's hope so. In the meantime, if leasing is the only way to go, the EV is the perfect Fit.

PHOTOS COURTESY HONDA

2013 Honda Fit EV

Base Price: Lease only for 36 months/$389 per month, which computes to an MSRP of $36,625